GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Arbitrary , a. [L. arbitrarius, fr. arbiter: cf. F. arbitraire. See Arbiter.]
   Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.
   1913 Webster
   It was wholly arbitrary in them to do so.
   Jer. Taylor.
   
   1913 Webster
   Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is the most arbitrary of all things.
   Landor.
   
   1913 Webster
   Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power.
   1913 Webster
   Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused licentiousness.
   Washington.
   
   1913 Webster
   Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   Arbitrary constant, Arbitrary function (Math.), a quantity of function that is introduced into the solution of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will be given, so that the solution may be made to meet special requirements. -- Arbitrary quantity (Math.), one to which any value can be assigned at pleasure.
   1913 Webster